am i the only one using a bernz-omatic torch

[NHMAN1]

OK, back a few threads ago we discussed lighting with a bernz-o-matic torch and this was the reply from P38X2 to me when I stated a torch didn`t work well for me on my hard starting P 38stove.
"MCPO, if you're lighting with a torch, don't look for the pellets to stay aflame. I FINALLY figured this out a couple weeks ago. Stick the torch end in the pile and give it 20 or so seconds. Enough to get a ball of pellets glowing. Shut the door. 2 min later POOF, off and running. No different than ignition by an auto igniter. Works the same on both my 38's."

Well, I tried it last night and discovered he`s absolutely right! The trick is to stick the torch end into the pellets for about 20 sec`s , pull it out and shut the door. It smolders for about 20 -30 sec`s and then breaks into a strong flame exactly like an auto igniter works. The exhaust blower sucked up most of the odor so it wasn`t bad.
I had a strong full flame quicker than when using alcohol or gel.
This might become my preferred method after all.

I tried this about 3 years ago and it has served me well. I find that I just let the torch flame hit the pellets in the front of the burn pot for about 30 seconds and I am off and running. A few times I was out of both the gel and the torch was empty so I took about 3-5 cotton balls and rolled them around in a container of vaseline, I have even just used about half a kleenex tissue and put that in the vaseline and that worked as well, not as quick as the torch. When I use the cotton balls I just cover them with enough pellets to get them going and it gets the ones on top of the cotton balls going and then the ones below the cotton balls

 

[WiscWoody]

If you mean the propane torch that's about 3 feet long, I use one of those to get my wood stove fired up fast! And I refill my own propane tanks also.

 

[opus74]

We have been using a torch since day 1. It works !!

 

[Shaw520]

http://www.harborfreight.com/micro-torch-42099.html

this little baby works great

 

[WiscWoody]

http://www.harborfreight.com/micro-torch-42099.html

this little baby works great

I was thinking more like this! it's the "Tim the tool man" in me I guess.

 

[STANG32]

here I thought I was doing something no one else was. I love the torch, it makes down time for ash cleaning so much easier,. I let the stove cool, or I come down in the morning & it is already off, I vacuum, clean the glass, through a handful of pellets in the bowl & hit it with the torch for 20-30 seconds, close the door & within 2 minutes the house is being warmed up again.
why use alcohol or hand sanitizer if you have the torch, why add more steps?